Walkable with Visitors
Parramatta: A Dictionary of Place and Memory - W
On back-to-back days in September, I catch up with friends in Parramatta.
As part of the catch-ups, I am going to be taking my friends around this place where I live.
It is also an opportunity for me to consider this city through the eyes of a visitor as I tell them stories about Parramatta.
I notice a few things as we walk around.
Firstly Parramatta is incredibly walkable but in the absence of a guide visitors could use a map.
Secondly the handiest place to meet is close to transport. My usual recommendation is at the train station or else at the bus in the square.
Thirdly if visitors have luggage (as one friend had), it would be handy if they had a place to store it before they go for a walk.
Fourthly history and art are already embedded in the city and are accessible to walkers, but it could be good to have alternative paths.
Most cities have walking tours, and this could really enrich the experience of a visitor. Perhaps there could be one in the morning and one in the afternoon, both free so that we can build a sense of the spirit of this place for visitors.
With both catch-ups, I notice there are so many great places to go, but I centre the square and the park and river and the ferry.
What I also notice through the eyes of my visitors is that Parramatta is a place where one can relax.